2005 Ford Thunderbird

○ Not enough data
2005 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:30.697Z

Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
27

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 26 complaints 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1989: 125 complaints 1989 1990: 141 complaints 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1994: 315 complaints 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 233 complaints 1997: 169 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2002: 93 complaints 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 34 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2005 27
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 26 complaints 1984 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1988 1989: 125 complaints 1990: 141 complaints 1990 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1994: 315 complaints 1994 1995: 261 complaints 1996: 233 complaints 1996 1997: 169 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2002: 93 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 34 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2005 27
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 26 complaints 1984 1985: 14 complaints 1985 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1987 1988: 92 complaints 1988 1989: 125 complaints 1989 1990: 141 complaints 1990 1991: 112 complaints 1991 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1993 1994: 315 complaints 1994 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 233 complaints 1996 1997: 169 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2002: 93 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 34 complaints 2004 2005: 27 complaints 2005 27

2005: 27 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19810
19820
19833
198426
198514
198623
198763
198892
1989125
1990141
1991112
1992186
1993425
1994315
1995261
1996233
1997169
19983
19992
200293
200333
200434
200527

Known problem areas

Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

5 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

When I inserted the key to start the car, the battery (Located in the trunk) exploded.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-26

Dt*: the contact stated the audible warning that alerts the occupants the seat belts are not secured works intermittently. The dealership is aware of the problem, but has not inspected the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-05-23

Vehicle speed control

4 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

Letter from constituent regarding an ongoing throttle problem with his 2005 Ford Thunderbird; information provided to NHTSA that may be the bases of a recall of the Thunderbird.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-21

Also filed under Engine

Engine

4 of 27 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Throttle body system failure causing inappropriate vehicle deceleration while driving. This condition happens without warning and can cause another vehicle to rear end you.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-23

Air bags

4 of 27 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving my car on the highway last evening, the left shoulder airbag was deployed. I immediately pulled the car to the side of the road. I noted that the left front tire was flat. My husband changed the tire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-05-06

Also filed under Seats

On September 6, 2006 while traveling on an 8-lane highway at a speed of approximately 70 MPH the drivers side airbag on my 2005 Ford Thunderbird deployed with a very loud noise and considerable force.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-09-21

While driving to work at approx. 65 MPH, my drivers side, side airbag deployed. Thankfully I didn't lose control of my vehicle. I pulled to the side of the road and exited my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-20

Fuel/propulsion system

3 of 27 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2005-04-04Fuel system, gasoline05V113000 On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tank may have a localized thin wall section in the lower half of the tank. The fuel tank may crack creating a potential for a fuel leak and fuel odor. The…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2005. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673, Lincoln at 1-800-521-4140.

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 05V113000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Ford Thunderbird reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Thunderbird have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.